One of the most time-honored traditions after ordination is receiving a “first blessing.”

This typically begins immediately after priestly ordination, when the faithful at the ordination line up to receive a blessing from the newly ordained. Traditionally, upon receiving the blessing, the faithful kiss the palms of the newly ordained priest, hands recently anointed with sacred chrism — hands set apart as Christ’s instruments to bless and sanctify — still scented with sacred chrism. This act of veneration is offered in recognition of the sacred character of the priesthood bestowed upon the newly ordained and of the hands that now hold the Eucharist and confer the sacraments.

The reception of a first blessing is an opportunity for the faithful in attendance at the ordination or a Mass of Thanksgiving (during the first year of priesthood) to gain a plenary indulgence if all the usual conditions are met:

Plenary Indulgence: An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints. (Catechism ¶ 1471)

The usual conditions to acquire a plenary indulgence are:

• To be in a state of Detachment from sin; which is a true sorrow for, and repudiation of, all one’s sin, mortal and venial;

• To be in communion with the Catholic Church;

• Reception of Holy Communion on the day the indulgence is sought;

• Prayer for the intention of the Holy Father on the day the indulgence is sought
  (one ‘Our Father,’ one ‘Hail Mary,’ and one ‘Glory Be’ suffice)

• Sacramental confession within twenty days of completion of the prescribed work.

If these conditions are not met, the indulgence will be partial.